Bangkok--8 May--Aziam Burson-Marsteller Honda establishes Asia-Oceania regional auto R&D centre in Thailand Aiming to elevate Thai automotive industry to be a regional R&D center Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Honda’s Asia & Oceania Regional Headquarters based in Bangkok announced the start of construction of the new regional automobile R&D center located in Thailand under the newly formed company, Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. Mr. Suwit Khunkitti, Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister presided over the inauguration and cornerstone laying ceremony. The Honda R&D Asia Pacific is the 4th Honda’s Automobile Research and Development Center outside of Japan, after the USA, Europe and China. Located on 95 rai along Kanchanapisek Road, this facility is expected to be completed in first half of 2009. It will accelerate local content development to facilitate the further development of the Thai and regional automotive industry. Mr. Fumihiko Ike, President & Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “Based on our strong, long-term commitment to the development of Thailand’s automotive industry, Honda has established a new regional automobile R&D center here in Thailand. The center’s function covers broad research and development activities including product planning, product design research and testing. The new automobile R&D facility will enable Honda to respond even more quickly to changing customer needs in the Asia-Oceania region.” Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Suwit Khunkitti, Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister said, “Honda is a leading automobile manufacturer that always emphasizes Research and Development and consistently introduces new high-value products. I am certain that the Honda Research and Development Center will support the development and manufacturing of auto parts in Thailand. Further, this Research and Development Center will promote technology transfer and local employment in the country.” Recently, Honda has established Honda R&D Southeast Asia Co., Ltd. to be responsible for motorcycle research & development including market research, styling & design, engineering, model & mockup production and prototype testing for all models of Honda motorcycles sold throughout the Asia-Oceania region. Both new R&D centers will help support technology transfer in the region and strengthen Thailand’s position as the region’s automotive hub. Photo shows: Mr. Suwit Khunkitti (4th from right), Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister, recently presided over the inauguration and cornerstone laying ceremony at the Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP), Honda’s Asia-Oceania regional auto R&D centre in Thailand. The Deputy Prime Minister was welcomed by Honda executives, led by Mr. Masaaki Kato (3rd from right), President of Honda R&D Japan, Mr. Fumihiko Ike (4th from left), President & Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mr. Toshinari Sonoda (2nd from right), President of Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., along with a group of high-ranking government officials. Photo shows: Mr. Suwit Khunkitti (middle), Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister, Mr. Masaaki Kato (2nd from right), President of Honda R&D Japan, Mr. Fumihiko Ike (3rd from left), President & Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mr. Toshinari Sonoda (3rd from right), President of Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., along with a group of high-ranking government officials. Media information, please contact: Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Anjali Jalichandra Tel. (0) 2236-0256 ext 1500 Email: [email protected] Waraporn Pongpaiboon Tel. (0) 2236-0256 ext 1552 Email: [email protected] Aziam Burson-Marsteller Satida Sritunyatorn Tel. (0) 2252 9871 Email: [email protected]